The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Cabinet Meeting: 16 December, 2013

Report of the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks, Culture and Sports Development

Watchtower - The Knap

Purpose of the Report

1. The Purpose of this report is to seek approval for the disposal of the Watchtower located at The Knap, Barry.

Recommendations

1. That the Director of Development Services in consultation with the Director of Resources be authorised to sell the Watchtower located at The Knap, Barry, as a Freehold property.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1. To dispose of the property.

Background

2. Cabinet minute C531 (15th July 2009) gave authorisation to market the Watchtower on a 25 year lease.

3. The property has now been marketed on two occasions and whilst there has been interest registered on both occasions all interested parties have subsequently withdrawn their interest.

Relevant Issues and Options

4. It is now understood that there may be interest in purchasing the Watchtower rather than taking on the responsibility of a lease. In order to make progress it is now proposed to again test the market but to seek a purchaser rather than a leaseholder.

5. The same terms and conditions will be applicable for a sale as were in place when the building was marketed as a lease opportunity. The development brief compiled for the building will also continue to be valid.

6. A copy of the report to Cabinet in July 2009 is attached at Appendix A.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

7. The level of capital receipt as a result of the sale of the Watchtower is not known at present. A sale will pass responsibility for the restoration and maintenance of the Watchtower to a new owner. The cost of the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the Watchtower has the potential to be significant and at present the Council has no provision for this expenditure.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

8. A new owner of the Watchtower would be required to provide guarantees of their intention to restore and maintain the building.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

9. Legal assistance will be required in terms of marketing the property, agreeing suitable terms of the sale and completing the sale of the building.

Crime and Disorder Implications

10. The building has been subject to graffiti and the new owner would be required to keep the building in a good condition.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

11. There are no Equal Opportunity issues associated with this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

12. The Council is committed to ensuring that all expenditure is carefully considered and the sale of this building would reduce future funds being required to be spent on its maintenance.